Driving and Transportation

Driving in Maryland

To drive in Maryland, you must have a valid driver's license. Each state in the United States has their own driver's license and they are valid throughout every state in the United States. The Maryland driver's license is given by the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA).

If you have brought a driver's license with you, be sure it is valid. Check the time limits below. After the time limit is over, you must get a Maryland driver's license.

License from your Home Country: Valid for 30 days

International driver's license: Valid for 1 year

TO GET A MARYLAND DRIVER'S LICENSE, you must be at least 16 years old. You DO NOT have to have a Social Security Number, but you must present the following documents:

Passport

Form I-94 card (should be in your passport)

Current Form 1-20 (and any old I-20's you may have)

Driver's License from your home country or your international license, if you have one

Proof of Maryland address such as mail that shows your name and address, a telephone bill, electric bill, credit card bill, or a copy of your lease.

Another form of identification with your signature on it such as a picture ID, canceled check, or a credit card.

Fees

Certificate for the successful completion of a 3-hourDrug & Alcohol class (this class is being offered at most driving schools)

At the MVA, you will have to take a written test and a road test using your own car. The written test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is available in many languages. You are also required to take a vision test.

The MVA’s rules and regulations frequently change, so be sure to check mva.maryland.gov or call 1-800-950-1682 for up-to-date information.

ELI students are not excused from classes to get a driver's license. This should be done on Saturday or after the school day is finished.

Public Transportation

If you do not have a car, you can use the following public transportation options to get around in Baltimore:

Collegetown ShuttleThis shuttle bus is free for students. It runs from the Baltimore Harbor all the way up to the shopping mall in Towson. The shuttle only operates during the spring and fall sessions.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has a special feature for people who would like to use the public transportation system but are not familiar with it. Just go to mta.maryland.gov, type in your start address and the address where you want to go, and the trip planner will tell you which buses or trains will take you there.